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Artificial Selection: A grimdark romantasy
A princess in disguise. A crown she never wanted. Two men who could ruin her.
She was supposed to save her kingdom.
Instead, she uncovered the key that could end the world.
Disguised as a knight to escape a doomed throne, Nadia never meant to be chosen by a relic of ancient power—or hunted for it. The Cipher awakens in her hands, drawing the attention of every force still clawing for control of a dying world… including two men whose loyalty may damn her as much as it saves her.
Andrew, the newly crowned king, is forged of fury, duty, and a possessive love he barely understands.
Vestro, the shapeshifter raised to guard Nadia, carries a century of secrets and a devotion sharp enough to cut.
Both want her.
Both would bleed for her.
Both may be the death of her.
As the Holy Empire rises, mutated demons swarm the ruins, and the Cipher’s power twists reality itself, Nadia must decide whether to save her kingdom, save herself… or destroy everything before someone else does.
Love will break her.
Power will remake her.
And choosing herself might shatter the world.
Artificial Selection is a dark, emotional, grimdark romantasy perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Fourth Wing–style tension, morally gray men, and heroines who choose their own fate—even when it burns.
She was supposed to save her kingdom.
Instead, she uncovered the key that could end the world.
Disguised as a knight to escape a doomed throne, Nadia never meant to be chosen by a relic of ancient power—or hunted for it. The Cipher awakens in her hands, drawing the attention of every force still clawing for control of a dying world… including two men whose loyalty may damn her as much as it saves her.
Andrew, the newly crowned king, is forged of fury, duty, and a possessive love he barely understands.
Vestro, the shapeshifter raised to guard Nadia, carries a century of secrets and a devotion sharp enough to cut.
Both want her.
Both would bleed for her.
Both may be the death of her.
As the Holy Empire rises, mutated demons swarm the ruins, and the Cipher’s power twists reality itself, Nadia must decide whether to save her kingdom, save herself… or destroy everything before someone else does.
Love will break her.
Power will remake her.
And choosing herself might shatter the world.
Artificial Selection is a dark, emotional, grimdark romantasy perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Fourth Wing–style tension, morally gray men, and heroines who choose their own fate—even when it burns.
550 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2025
1 person is currently reading
8 people want to read
About the author
Danielle Kaheaku
15 books49 followersDanielle Kaheaku also writes as Erin Durante
An award-winning author and editor, Danielle Kaheaku has worked in the entertainment industry for the past twelve years. She has active memberships in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, the international Horror Writers Association, and the Romance Writers Association Published Author Network. She teaches creative writing and screenwriting at San Diego State University and Southern New Hampshire University.
She has advanced degrees in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction and has published multiple short stories, four anthologies, nine novels, and several produced screenplays. Her projects have won multiple screen and literary awards including two Foreword Book of the Years (2009, 2008), Gold at the International Independent Film Awards (2018), Gold at the California Film Awards (2017), Silver in the International Independent Film Awards (2016), Award of Merit at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London (2016), Hollywood Screenings Film Festival Semi-Finalist (2016), and Best Experimental Short at the Chandler International Film Festival (2016).
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An award-winning author and editor, Danielle Kaheaku has worked in the entertainment industry for the past twelve years. She has active memberships in the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, the international Horror Writers Association, and the Romance Writers Association Published Author Network. She teaches creative writing and screenwriting at San Diego State University and Southern New Hampshire University.
She has advanced degrees in English and Creative Writing with a concentration in Fiction and has published multiple short stories, four anthologies, nine novels, and several produced screenplays. Her projects have won multiple screen and literary awards including two Foreword Book of the Years (2009, 2008), Gold at the International Independent Film Awards (2018), Gold at the California Film Awards (2017), Silver in the International Independent Film Awards (2016), Award of Merit at the New Renaissance Film Festival in London (2016), Hollywood Screenings Film Festival Semi-Finalist (2016), and Best Experimental Short at the Chandler International Film Festival (2016).
Follow her online:
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 5, 2026
Every positive thought I had about this story was entirely linked to the setting and the world. The blend of a fantasy story set in a post-scifi world with vestiges of technology becoming folklore and magic because of the loss of knowledge was so well-crafted.
The rest of the story was a miserable slog to get through. Blunt, but regrettably accurate. The FMC Nadia is entirely frustrating to read as she claims to be this competent and mature demon slayer and spends the entire story tripping over her own feet and waiting for a man to save her. She’s irksome, unaware of any consequences of her actions, and entirely incompetent at every turn.
For the romance, it’s questionable when there’s the issue of potential grooming introduced that’s squabbled over and then breezed past. There’s a moment of attempted empowerment when Nadia, after flipping between the two men the entire time, declared that she belongs to neither of them and the impact is entirely lost because of her past actions and then, immediately, her future actions. The plot is a heroic quest that’s lost amidst the macho posturing and Nadia’s damp concerns over her future and it Ruins the wonderful setting and worldbuilding.
This would have flourished as a dark fantasy with a severe cut to the attention focused entirely on the romance and instead it drags its feet for entirely too long.
Also important not addressed question: Is Vestro spending 75% of this story cock out as he’s nude and it’s just not mentioned?
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC.
The rest of the story was a miserable slog to get through. Blunt, but regrettably accurate. The FMC Nadia is entirely frustrating to read as she claims to be this competent and mature demon slayer and spends the entire story tripping over her own feet and waiting for a man to save her. She’s irksome, unaware of any consequences of her actions, and entirely incompetent at every turn.
For the romance, it’s questionable when there’s the issue of potential grooming introduced that’s squabbled over and then breezed past. There’s a moment of attempted empowerment when Nadia, after flipping between the two men the entire time, declared that she belongs to neither of them and the impact is entirely lost because of her past actions and then, immediately, her future actions. The plot is a heroic quest that’s lost amidst the macho posturing and Nadia’s damp concerns over her future and it Ruins the wonderful setting and worldbuilding.
This would have flourished as a dark fantasy with a severe cut to the attention focused entirely on the romance and instead it drags its feet for entirely too long.
Also important not addressed question: Is Vestro spending 75% of this story cock out as he’s nude and it’s just not mentioned?
Thank you to BookSirens and the author for the ARC.
December 28, 2025
Really enjoyed this book! The world was very unique, and I always love a good love triangle where you don’t know which man she will be with. Also didn’t know which one I was rooting for! Both MMC are different but also a good choice. She couldn’t even decide which one she wanted to be with. This book had a good romance and smut, with also a good plot that kept you interested in finding out what happens.
December 24, 2025
Talk about an emotional rollercoaster… I’m still recovering from Artificial Selection (in the best way).
This dark fantasy, layered with hints of horror and romance, is a chunky book, yet I breezed right through it.
What truly stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. No one felt like they were simply written in for the sake of the story. Each character had a unique backstory and a distinct worldview. At times, I felt angry and frustrated with the main character; at others, I completely broke alongside her.
There are a few spicy scenes that are easy to skip without missing any key plot points. Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s comfortable with heavy themes and ready to fall in love—only to have their heart torn wide open.
This dark fantasy, layered with hints of horror and romance, is a chunky book, yet I breezed right through it.
What truly stood out to me was the emotional depth of the characters. No one felt like they were simply written in for the sake of the story. Each character had a unique backstory and a distinct worldview. At times, I felt angry and frustrated with the main character; at others, I completely broke alongside her.
There are a few spicy scenes that are easy to skip without missing any key plot points. Overall, I’d recommend this book to anyone who’s comfortable with heavy themes and ready to fall in love—only to have their heart torn wide open.
December 27, 2025
I love the writing in the book. I also love the characters on an individual level. Nadia is who I would be if I were a princess. She owns who she is and she doesn't care who doesn't like it. If she wants to hunt demons, she's going to do it. And she does! The love triangle aspect of this took away from the story for me. The prince wasnt right for her and neither was her friend/protector. I could have done without that, but I still enjoyed it. and by the cliffhanger, I know there is a second book to come that I will enjoy reading as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
What a roller coaster! Just when you think you’ve figured it out new information pops up! Great adventure, great story line. FMC caught between two great loves, trying to figure out what’s best for her and her kingdom. Lots of twists and turns throughout that keeps you reading and on your toes. Definitely reading and ready for book 2!
January 1, 2026
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book was a refreshing change of pace. I enjoyed reading about Nadia, the FMC, who was piwerful, strong, and more than capable of taking care of herself on a quest to save her kingdom. The why choose with the MMCs, Vestro and Andrew, was at times immature and infuriating. The miscommunication made me want to pull my hair out, and I wanted to wring their necks a few times because they were more concerned about measuring themselves than taking care of their duties.
Overall the journey was exciting and suspenseful. The danger was real, and Nadia learned that things and people are not always as they seem. My heart skipped a beat at the ending. The twist and cliffhanger left my jaw dropped. I can promise you I will definitely be waiting for book 2 because I need to know what comes next!
Overall the journey was exciting and suspenseful. The danger was real, and Nadia learned that things and people are not always as they seem. My heart skipped a beat at the ending. The twist and cliffhanger left my jaw dropped. I can promise you I will definitely be waiting for book 2 because I need to know what comes next!
December 9, 2025
Nadia is a princess. Her best friend and protector is a demon shifter, and her biggest problem is avoiding a proposal from the prince of the neighboring kingdom. However, her life changes dramatically when demons and a group called the Holy attack, and Nadia hides her identity to escape and join Prince Andrew's group on their mission to save the world.
There is a lot to unpack in Artificial Selection, so I'll do my best without spoilers. To start, the book is being republished under this new title. The blurb for the original book actually provides much more information about the plot. However, it appears this new version is longer. I recommend checking the trigger warnings and not reading this book if you have concerns. It's dark, and Nadia has an emotionally devastating moment when she questions her childhood memories, but this part passes quickly. There is a true love triangle, but I'm not really sure I would want to see Nadia with either of her options. So, unfortunately, if you're looking for an epic romance, this isn't it. However, the plot is interesting and unique. It's a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. There's a lot going on, and it's never dull. I think the writing is good, so I rate it 4 stars, but I didn't love the characters or the romance. That’s why it's not a five-star book. The series has a lot of potential, many unanswered questions, and a big cliffhanger!
There is a lot to unpack in Artificial Selection, so I'll do my best without spoilers. To start, the book is being republished under this new title. The blurb for the original book actually provides much more information about the plot. However, it appears this new version is longer. I recommend checking the trigger warnings and not reading this book if you have concerns. It's dark, and Nadia has an emotionally devastating moment when she questions her childhood memories, but this part passes quickly. There is a true love triangle, but I'm not really sure I would want to see Nadia with either of her options. So, unfortunately, if you're looking for an epic romance, this isn't it. However, the plot is interesting and unique. It's a blend of sci-fi, fantasy, and adventure. There's a lot going on, and it's never dull. I think the writing is good, so I rate it 4 stars, but I didn't love the characters or the romance. That’s why it's not a five-star book. The series has a lot of potential, many unanswered questions, and a big cliffhanger!
December 6, 2025
Artificial Selection offers a unique, action-packed plot, but the romance is weak and the character relationships can feel uncomfortable—especially since the MMC met Nadia at nine and they later share very intimate familiarity. Good writing, intriguing world, but not a romance-heavy read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews